Strong Strike Mandate from Acadia Faculty

October 26, 2017

For Immediate Release

Strong strike mandate from Acadia Faculty

Faculty at Acadia University have given their union, the Acadia University Faculty Association (AUFA), a strong strike mandate. 81.6% of members of the bargaining unit cast ballots, with 81.1% of those voters authorizing a strike mandate to support their bargaining team.

“This vote should send a clear message to the Board of Governors at Acadia University,” said AUFA President Stephen Ahern. “Our members are determined to get a fair and equitable agreement.”

Several substantial issues remain on the table, including restoring full-time faculty positions, addressing pay equity, achieving salaries in line with regional averages, and gaining a commitment to fundraise for a campus childcare centre. The Board has rejected faculty proposals and is asking for significant concessions, including increasing class sizes for part-time faculty while clawing back their compensation.

“The academic integrity of the university is on the line here,” said Ahern. “We need the Board to show a genuine commitment to the university’s academic mission. A fair and equitable collective agreement is key to this mission. It will ensure good working conditions that allow us attract and keep excellent faculty who in turn attract and teach our excellent students.”

Bargaining began in March 2017 and proceeded well until the end of June, when the Board refused to make counter proposals to a faculty offer. AUFA filed for the assistance of a provincial conciliator in early September. Conciliation, scheduled for October 16-17, stalled on the first day when the employer refused to make meaningful changes to its position from June.

“The faculty association would like to avoid job action,” said Ahern. “But we need the Board to engage in meaningful negotiation. Productive bargaining requires two committed parties.”

AUFA is calling on the Board to return to the table with the help of the provincial conciliator in order to reach a fair settlement.

The Acadia University Faculty Association is the certified bargaining agent for 331 full-time and part-time professors, librarians, archivists, and instructors.